Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Candidate Financial Support

Pennsylvania is pleased to announce that funding is available to help offset the cost of the assessment fee. This funding is made possible through a Federal Subsidy grant from the United States Department of Education and from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Please read the information below for specific details, deadlines and contact information.

Funding Available - First-Time Candidates Federal Funding
The Pennsylvania Department of Education will utilize NBPTS Candidate Subsidy funds to award qualified candidates 50 percent of the $2,500 certification fee in the form of a scholarship totaling $1,250. Candidates will be awarded this Federal fee support on a first-come, first-served basis. See Funding Application Procedures for details on how to obtain funding. Deadline to apply: December 14, 2008.

Funding Available - First-Time Candidates State Funding
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania values both the profession of teaching, and the high quality standards of the NBPTS program. As such, the Commonwealth is awarding 500 scholarships to be awarded in $1,250 increments (50% of the tuition cost) per qualified candidate based on established criteria. See Funding Application Procedures for details on how to obtain funding. State funds can be combined with Federal funds. Deadline to apply: December 14, 2008.

Funding Available Retake Candidates
The Pennsylvania Department of Education will provide up to $700 in state and/or federal subsidy funds to eligible retake candidates for two entries/exercises. Candidates who received state AND federal funds previously are not eligible to apply. See Funding Application Procedures for details on how to obtain retake funding. Deadline to apply: WINDOW CLOSED.

Several organizations provide scholarship support to candidates pursuing National Board Certification. For more information, visit the Scholarship page.

The National Board Certification process provides high-quality professional development, and school districts are encouraged to make use of state and federal funding that may be used for teacher professional development. The Pennsylvania Department of Education strongly encourages all of the Commonwealth’s 501 school districts to review teacher professional development policies and practices, to offer creative and exciting incentives that make National Board Certification achievable for employees and to advocate National Board Certification for all high-quality teachers.

Please click here for a list of school districts in Pennsylvania that offer support and/or incentives for candidates and National Board Certified Teachers.  It is possible that your school district or local businesses offers support not included in the above link.   Check with your school, your school district’s Web site or your state program administrator for more information.

If you are aware of local incentives supporting National Board Certification in your school district please Contact Us.  Include complete contact details so that we can reach you to verify the information.